Alhambra student builds his own drone

Charles Santay,
a sophomore at Alhambra High School, began studying programming in the
fall in his computer science class. After he learned of the Media
Center's 3D printer and its possibilities in creating 3D printed models, he
began to explore the idea of building a fully functional 3D-printed
quadcopter. Santay began studying, researching, testing, and
building in November. After months of work, Santay achieved first
flight on the Grand Canyon University campus.

Along the
way, Santay taught himself a variety of skills to bring his idea to life:
CAD design, 3D printing, electronics, power supply mechanics,
guidance systems, R.F. communications, control software, and a host of
other skills.

"I have gone
through a lot of crashes and a lot of parts, but Mr. Brink (Alhambra's
Librarian and overseer of AHS's Media Center) has helped with replacement
print parts to me keep going, I have a whole box of damaged
propellers...I've crashed a lot."

At Alhambra's annual
Science Fair / Sustainability Expo March 23, Santay amazed his classmates
by demonstrating his ability to achieve flight as well as answer a variety
of questions on the building process and very technical aspects of his
project.

“After hearing him talk
at length of his learning, it is apparent Charles has learned a great deal on
many topics over the course of the quadcopter's
development. Charles plans on continuing his learning,” social
studies teacher Clayton Jones
said.

"My next project is going to be a much
smaller and faster design for racing, I am working on ideas for a first-person,
real time, camera feed as part of the guidance system," Santay
said.